Zebulun and Quinn went to Arroyo, a small, stone town on the banks of the Great River. The river was the border between the kingdom and Axolotl to the southwest.
Zebulun healed numerous minor injuries, making him popular with the fishermen of the town. They told him of an old man who was near death. Quinn had vanished again, so Zebulun went to the house alone.
A young woman opened the gate. She had medium-brown skin, long black hair, and bright amber eyes. She looked up at him and said, "Hello."
Zebulun bowed. "Hello," he said. "I’m Zebulun Koh. The men down by the river told me there was a sick man here."
She looked at him in confusion. "Ruth," she said. "Yes, my father is ill."
"I’m a healer," said Zebulun. "I can help him, with your permission."
She looked up at him for a moment. "You’re a healer?"
"I am."
She hesitated, but let him in.
Zebulun stood over the old man. He was thin. His face was pale. His breath came in ragged gasps.
Zebulun held his hands over the man and let the energy flow. The old man began to breathe better. The look of pain left his face. He slept.
Zebulun took Ruth outside. "I’ve given him strength and eased his pain," he said, "but that won’t keep him alive for long. His body is old and frail."
Ruth pursed her lips and nodded. "Thank you for easing his pain, at least. That’s the most peaceful he’s slept in months."
"I wish I could do more," said Zebulun.
He looked around the courtyard. "You two live here alone?"
Ruth sniffed, wiped one eye, and said, "Yes. My mother died when I was young."
"How old are you?"
Ruth looked up at him. "Seventeen."
"And you’re not married?"
"How can I marry?" asked Ruth. "I’m all he has. I can’t move to another village and bear children. I have to take care of him."
Zebulun looked down into her eyes. "You’re a good daughter."
"I try to be."
Zebulun bowed, turned to leave, then stopped and turned back to Ruth.
"I hope to see you again, Ruth."
She lowered her eyes, then looked up into his. "I hope to see you again as well, Zebulun."